Deadline Nears for TAMIU
Free Tuition Program

The April 30, 2008, deadline is nearing for an expanded Texas A&M International University financial aid package designed for low income families that provides a virtually no-cost higher education for qualified students.

“Others may be starting programs, but we’re expanding an initiative that last fall provided over $1.2 million in assistance for 244 students that gave them four academic years of tuition and fee costs to attend TAMIU,” said Dr. Ray Keck, president.

Students eligible for these assistance packages must be full-time and from low-income families with households in which the combined income is less than $30,000 annually, he said.

The assistance package, dubbed the “Dusty Promise,” combines federal, state and institutional funds to meet the tuition and fees for eight 15-hour semesters. Book and housing costs are not included. Students must be admitted to TAMIU, enroll for 15 hours each semester and submit a FAFSA application.

Keck was also was quick to point out that students receiving the package must also make a commitment to succeed.

“They must take the required course load and they must maintain a 2.5 Grade Point Average. We also want to motivate them to complete their degree program in four years so that they can enter their profession and begin to reap the quality of life enhancement that comes with attaining their degree,” Keck said.

Up to $350,000 in funds have been set aside for students who qualify and the University project 305 students will qualify, a 25% increase over last fall. Keck said the University’s drive for additional support has been prompted by its State-recognized growth.

“Over the past five years, we’ve had a 39 percent enrollment growth to over 5,000 students, which effectively drains the University’s scholarship pool,” he explained.

Keck said the University has heightened efforts to secure donations, but said the University’s financial aid team is committed to finding solutions for all those needing assistance. About 67% of TAMIU students qualify for financial assistance.

“These programs are just some of the programs available. If students want to attend the University, we’ll work with them to get them the assistance they need,” Keck concluded.

For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Financial Aid at 326.2225, visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 158 or e-mail financialaid@tamiu.edu

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